With the sun nearly setting on the hills of South Orange County and the ocean on the horizon, I was excited to explore the new menu options at Savannah Chop House in Laguna Niguel. It was a warm summer California evening and we invited to taste the new offerings from Executive Chef Chris Tzorin.
Chef Chris is a fourth generation culinary professional born and bred right here in Orange County. His first appointment as an Executive Chef was at the tender age of 20 and he has been on culinary competition shows Cutthroat Kitchen and Guy's Grocery Games on the Food Network.
We started with a wonderful blood orange champagne cocktail and enjoyed light appetizers such as the Smoked Salmon and Bruschetta.
The sun began setting as we enjoyed our first course of Tempura Stuffed Zucchini. Sounds good doesn't it? Made with herb goat cheese, sun dried tomatoes and Ponzu sauce. This was a wonderful way to enjoy zucchini and it was as tasty as it was beautiful.
Chef Tzorin came out to greet everyone and he is as energetic and effervescent as his food.
Next we tasted the Caesar salad with fried capers (no anchovies) and the Watermelon Beet salad made with fresh watermelon bites, goat cheese and toasted pecans in an herbal vinaigrette. Both great tasting and very different flavors.
With dinner, I had a delightful Cucumber Catcher cocktail. This refreshing and unique beverage is made with fresh cucumber, vodka, basil and a homemade sweet and sour.
The surf and turf entrée was a tender filet medallion with a Cabernet reduction, shrimp scampi, mashed potatoes and brussel sprouts. Really flavorful and nicely prepared.
For dessert, I managed to make room for sharing Savannah's warm Flourless Chocolate Cake with berries and Vanilla Bean ice cream and a delightful Strawberry Short Cake made with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. Both were excellent and while I enjoyed both, the Strawberry Short Cake was really something special. Light, tasty and just the right amount of sweetness.
Savannah Chop House has special pairing course events and a fun chef training program for kids. There is a tequila pairing dinner that sounded pretty interesting and I may have to check out in the near future. There are several wonderful dining areas and it is a nice place to go with or without kids.
I would like to thank Savannah Chop House for the invitation to check out the new menu offerings. Check them out on Facebook and Twitter for updates and special events.
Savannah Chop House
32441 Golden Lantern
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
(949) 493-7107
Kristi @ Inspiration Kitchen
That food is totally making me hungry! Thanks for the share.
Raquel
Thanks Kristi! It was so tasty!
Tamara
I think Scarlet will love chef training when she's older!
I fell asleep watching Cutthroat Kitchen last night. It's not for the weak.
Everything looks delicious.
Raquel
Oh so true Tamara, they really are ruthless on Cutthroat Kitchen. I love to see how they all use the ingredients differently!